My First Tri

ExpandCollapse

Barefooters

I am thinking about doing the local My First Tri next June. I can do the distances, although all at once will be hard but that is the idea. I know nothing about triathlons. Discuss.

Because it works for me!

In 2011 I was diagnosed with precancerous cervical lesions due to an HPV infection. I had a biopsy and fortunately my lesions did not progress to cervical cancer. One year later in 2012, on the anniversary of my biopsy, I finished a 5k race in VFFs. Ladies please educate yourselves about HPV and cervical cancer prevention.

ExpandCollapse

Barefooters

In 2011 I was diagnosed with precancerous cervical lesions due to an HPV infection. I had a biopsy and fortunately my lesions did not progress to cervical cancer. One year later in 2012, on the anniversary of my biopsy, I finished a 5k race in VFFs. Ladies please educate yourselves about HPV and cervical cancer prevention.

ExpandCollapse

Barefooters

*pokes scedastic* I'll do it if you do it. I watched some of the Sandestin Tri yesterday. I was really impressed with the ladies in the Athena division. I bet a lot of people tell them they are "fat" but they were out there doing the race. I was also impressed with the Clydesdales and the 70+ men. While I commend the folks racing on Walmart bikes they didn't seem to be having much fun. There are like four triathlon clubs in this area and I am currently trying to decide which one offers the best swimming opportunities, since I am a huge chicken about open water swimming.

Because it works for me!

In 2011 I was diagnosed with precancerous cervical lesions due to an HPV infection. I had a biopsy and fortunately my lesions did not progress to cervical cancer. One year later in 2012, on the anniversary of my biopsy, I finished a 5k race in VFFs. Ladies please educate yourselves about HPV and cervical cancer prevention.

ExpandCollapse

Barefooters

I did a sprint distance tri (slightly longer than My First Tri - 400 yard swim, 12 mi bike, 3 mi run) about 11 years ago. The thing that got me was the swim - a buddy and I practiced in a pool. Until I got on the lake, I did not realize how much I was pushing off the walls during practice. Short version: As I was exiting the water, the next wave of contestants was coming up behind me; one of the race coordinators said that they were about to come get me out (demeaning, no?). So, work on the swim and wear a wetsuit (buoyancy is nice). The ride was fine other than the fact that we did not have road bikes, so we rode mountain bikes with off-road tires...didn't even think to jack up the pressure, either (I never said we were too bright). The run was fine - probably the easiest part for me as I'd been running for years by that point.

Side story: The lakeshore was covered with rock - almost like really large gravel - so it felt "pointy" when I was exiting. When I got to the bike to get my shoes on, I noted a little bit of blood on one of my socks - I figured I pricked the skin somewhere - but I completed the race no issue. When I got home and took my shoes off, my sock was completely red. Turns out that one of those pointy rocks was actually broken glass, and I had a ~1.5" L by ~1/8" D cut in my left heel. What's funny is that I was staying at a friends house (he was out of town at the time) during this, and I thought I'd washed all of the blood out of the shower...but I guess not, because he wanted to know what the hell went on over the weekend (I think I told him we sacrificed a goat, or something).

Of course, the most painful part of it all was the 6 shots of Novocaine that went into the heel before the doctors could stitch it up. Later that afternoon, I drank several precautionary margaritas so the Vitamin C would aid in the healing process.

So, watch those feet when exiting the water...and that's my advice for attempting your first triathlon...

ExpandCollapse

Chapter Presidents

I have liked doing the triathlons I've done the last couple of years. I, too, was impressed with the variety of people that participated AND did well! Shape and size does not necessarily equate with fitness. The gal that won the Olympic associated with the sprint I did, was built like a heavy weight wrestler, but she was FAST! Finished before most of the men. She meant business, but seemed to be enjoying the competition.